Our Kyd, 14, has Down Syndrome. A few of the issues that often come with that diagnosis are low muscle tone, thyroid conditions and safety & mobility issues, this can lead to the use of wheelchairs and walking aids well past the generic pushchair days and mean much more planning when going anywhere.

Our favourite days out all involve Merlin Theme Parks, we are a thrill seeking family and rollercoaster rides to us mean goal ticking, smiles and memories. Merlin have a fantastic disabled friendly approach to their parks too which makes my life so much easier and the day flow so much smoother.

Each park has it's own approach to the situation though, as the set out of the parks are so different, and they seem to have upped their game this year with their approach, so make sure you read on to find out more.

Life with a disabled child or adult is hard, days out are a little release from the issues they face on a daily basis and so I have written a little checklist of questions parents/carers should ask or research before they organise their fun days out.

You can find the answers to these on most websites for venues but don't be scared to pick up the phone and ask their customer services anything that you need to know for your personal situation. You will be more than grateful that you checked than if you assumed the outcome and all went wrong on the day. #BeenThereDoneThat

The ultimate 'before we book' questions:

Are there Carer tickets available?

What paperwork is needed for proof of disability?

Disabled parking on the day?

Wheelchair hire availability?

Wheelchair accessible toilets on site?

Medical assistance on site?

Queue jump system in place? (If so how many can accompany on each ride?)

Is the park predominantly flat or hilly?

Safety set up on the park?

Wristbands available for wonderers?

Legoland Resort, Windsor.

Carer Ticket? YES

Paperwork? LETTER FROM GP/PHYSICIAN (once on the system it is kept as proof for 1 season only)

Disabled parking? YES

Wheelchair hire? YES (deposit required)

Accessible toilets? YES

Medical assistance? FIRST AID ROOM

Queue jump system? YES (up to 6 people)

Safety Wristbands? YES

Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures & Thorpe Park.

Carer Ticket? YES

Paperwork? LETTER FROM GP/PHYSICIAN (ID Card now issued on first trip and can be used at all 3 parks as proof of disability)

MobilityNationwide.co.uk has also created this cool UK map of Accessible Days Out that aren't Merlin based which I think is really handy to see some cool places to visit. They provide wheelchair accessible vehicles across the UK with the aim of providing accessibility for all and have created the #TravelForAll campaign. They are on social media @MobilityNation or check out #TravelForAll to support the campaign.